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Add any 3 blades. Your holder is free if it's in your cart, otherwise your cheapest blade is.
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Your pair includes a free Critter Connector

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30-day returns 4.7 · 900+ reviews Designed in Oregon
Butterfly Light Painting Tube
How the Butterfly Light Painting Tube goes together, to scale. Assembled: the RGB Critter Tube Adapter twisted onto an RGB Critter BT Light Engine, the tube seated in its socket, light ports glowing. Below: the Critter and adapter (sold separately) and the tube, then add-ons that fit it: Modular Saber Tube Connector, the adapter's set screws and key, Modular Saber Tube Adapter and Modular End Cap. No threads, so the Saber Twist-On Cap does not fit.
Six light painting tube lengths drawn to scale against a 5 ft 9 in photographer: 5, 11, 17, 23, 29 and 36 inch. Only the 36 inch is threaded at its free end and it comes with a Saber Twist-On Cap already screwed on; the 5, 11, 17, 23 and 29 inch lengths are unthreaded and no adapter makes a cap fit them. Tube only: the RGB Critter BT light engine and its tube adapter are sold separately.
light painting tools

Butterfly Light Painting Tube

Laser-cut wings for textured light trails.

Laser-cut wings for textured light trails.

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Black Friday: $-19.95 offEnds in11d 16:59:59
$19.95 Regular price
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The Butterfly Light Painting Tube uses a precision laser-cut butterfly pattern to add detailed texture to your light trails in long-exposure photography.

Required: the RGB Critter Tube Adapter, sold separately, to mount this tube on your Critter. Works with all RGB Critter Light Engines, also sold separately.

The 36 inch length is threaded at its free end and comes with a Twist-On Cap in the box. The 5, 11, 17, 23 and 29 inch lengths are not threaded and do not include a cap.

Full details and specs Show less

Highlights

  • Detailed butterfly-pattern light textures
  • Impact-resistant polycarbonate construction
  • Pushes into the RGB Critter Tube Adapter and locks with two set screws
  • 36 inch: threaded, and the Twist-On Cap is included. The thread is cut into the polycarbonate at the free end, so the cap goes straight on and adds a reflector for a brighter, fuller tube
  • 5 to 29 inch: no threads on either end, so a Saber Twist-On Cap will not fit them. A Modular Saber Tube Adapter clamps on to add an AOAM female thread for the accessories that use one
  • Ships with a silicone cap on both ends to keep dust and dirt out

How it connects

  1. Twist the RGB Critter Tube Adapter onto the front of your RGB Critter.
  2. Push this tube into the adapter's socket.
  3. Tighten the adapter's two set screws with the hex key that comes with it. The six openings along the top of the adapter are light ports, not screws.

Parts you may need

  • RGB Critter Tube Adapter (required). The mounting end of this tube is bare, so this is what holds it on your Critter. It twists onto the Critter's front, the tube pushes into its socket, and two set screws lock it down. Skip it only if you already own one.
  • Modular Saber Tube Connector. Joins two tubes end to end for a longer tool. Two set screws per side, four total, all preinstalled.
  • Modular Saber Tube Adapter. Required for a twist-on accessory on a 5 to 29 inch tube, which has no thread of its own. It clamps onto a tube end and adds the AOAM female thread that the Modular End Cap screws into. It does not make the Saber Twist-On Cap fit: that cap threads into the tube itself, so it needs a saber tube or the 36 inch light painting tube.
Length
Black Friday: $-19.95 offEnds in11d 16:59:59
Price$19.95
Regular price
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Free US shipping $99+, 30-day returns Free US shipping and 30-day returns

Needs an adapter to mount on a Critter

Slide this tube into the RGB Critter Tube Adapter, sold separately. The Short one is made for light painting.

Short adapter $29.95

Shop Pay buys this tube only

It needs an RGB Critter flashlight and the RGB Critter Tube Adapter to light up. Have both? Shop Pay is all set. Missing one? Use Add to Cart and we'll check your setup before checkout.

See the parts you need
4.7 · 900+
reviews
Free 30-day
US returns
Designed
in Oregon
Add the parts you needTap + to add to cart

Sold separately, none come with the tube.

Silicone Saber Cap Silicone Saber Cap2 colors
$19.95
Modular Saber Tube Connector Modular Saber Tube ConnectorNeeds a second tube
$29.95
Honeycomb Light Painting Tube Honeycomb Light Painting Tube6 lengths
from$19.95
Tube $19.95 $19.95

2-year warrantyDefects in materials or workmanship are covered for 2 years from the date of purchase.

Lifetime upgrade in the cartAdd it and every item in the order is covered for as long as you own it. Batteries are covered for 60 days.

Free 30-day US returnsUnused and in the original packaging, and we email you a prepaid label. International returns are accepted within 30 days, return postage is yours.

Broke in use?That is a warranty claim, with no 30-day limit. Email support@antsonamelon.com and we repair or replace it.

Full warranty policy  ·  Full return policy

Weight by length

The Butterfly tube on its own at every length, to scale.

5 in
≈34 g1.2 oz
11 in
≈75 g2.6 oz
17 in
≈116 g4.1 oz
23 in
≈157 g5.5 oz
29 in
≈198 g7.0 oz
36 in
≈246 g8.7 oz

The tube on its own, before any light or adapter. Worked out from the Sol and Honeycomb tubes we weighed by hand, cut from the same stock, so ≈ marks every length.

Butterfly Light Painting Tube
Butterfly Light Painting Tube
5 Inch (13cm)
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$19.95 Regular price
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  • 5 stars: 44 (90%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (2%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (2%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 3 (6%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
C
Craig Harris (Perth, AU)
23 Inch (58cm)
I've used it a couple of times now and works

I've used it a couple of times now and works great

D
David Chambers (Denver, US)
11 Inch (28cm)
Smudge Design 2

This is a fantastic tool! I was able to create interesting images the very first try, very easy to use.Thumbs up!

L
Lori Saunders (Reston, US)
11 Inch (28cm)
A great addition to my tools!

Love the look and effect when moving it as well as seeing the pattern when you freeze it for just a moment. The size is great too for added flexibility.

M
Martin Schiefer (Schwarzenbek, DE)
Mega Cool tool

Easy to connect to the RGBCritter and give marvelous effects

M
Marcel Kirchner (Edmonton, CA)
23 Inch (58cm)
Brilliant!

The modular sol savers have been a great addition to my light painting kit. Lightweight and very well thought out and made. I can’t wait to get a couple more sizes!

R
R.S. (Crescent City, US)
12" MODULAR SOL SABER

This sol saber is very nice quality! It's sturdy and well made! I got this image my first night out. I am in love with AOAM tools and the critter, wow oh wow, thank you for improving my light painting with your light and tools!

R
R.S. (Crescent City, US)
8" Combo dots Modular Lumi Saber

I really like this small compact size of 8" as it's really easy to move around with my small hands! The quality of the saber is great, it's nice and sturdy! I got these photos my first night out, not even knowing what I was doing yet. Impressed!

A
Angelique Kelly (Sydney, AU)
Small but powerful!

I purchased two of the 8” Lumi Sabers to pair with my original Sol Saber. I love the black line between the lights when you combine them, it adds a nice structure to the image. The modular system is so versatile and easy to use. I love all of my AOAM products!

R
Rebecca K. (Edmonton, CA)
Super Fun Tool

I've had the 47" Sol saber for a few weeks now, and have loved it so far!
The material is pretty resilent, and can take a bit of knocking around, which is great for waving something so long around in the dark.
There's some light fall off due to the length, but that is to be expected.

A
A.W. (Honolulu, US)
Lighting Up The Night With AOAM's RGB Critter

As a light painting photographer, I've experimented with a myriad of tools and gadgets to bring my visions to life. But nothing has quite matched the versatility, customization, and sheer brilliance of Ants on a Melon's RGB Critter.

The RGB Critter is more than just a flashlight; it's a modular system that opens up a world of possibilities. The ability to attach a variety of accessories, from the Critter Connectors to the Lumi and Sol Sabers, means I can adapt and evolve my toolkit to suit any creative scenario. The Inverse Critter Connector even allows me to double up on the light show, creating a symphony of color that's twice as mesmerizing.

One of the standout features of the RGB Critter is its customization. The color palette is programmable, offering a spectrum of hues that can be tailored to any artistic vision. The multiple lighting modes add another layer of flexibility, allowing me to play with strobes, fades, and pulses to create dynamic and captivating light paintings.

But what truly sets the RGB Critter apart is its performance. The rechargeable battery ensures that I can work through the night without worrying about power. The build quality is robust, designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while remaining lightweight and comfortable to handle.

In my experience, Ants on a Melon's RGB Critter is simply the best product for the job. It's not just a tool; it's a partner in my creative process, helping me to paint the night with light and color. If you're a light painting artist looking to elevate your work, I cannot recommend the RGB Critter highly enough. It's a game-changer, a light show in the palm of your hand, and an essential addition to any light painting toolkit.

A
Andrea Boyle (Medford, US)
Great texture!

I got my 12"Honeycomb Lumi Tube last week and stacked it with a modular 8" Sol Saber and two Critters to create some color-mixing magic.

K
Kevin Dawson (Aberdeen, GB)
Ants On A Melon Modular System

I have recently received a number of Ants on a Melon Modular system tools. Being an earlyish adopter of the system, not Kickstarter but soon after, I have always been impressed with the quality of the tools. These are no different. The build quality of the adapters is excellent as is the quality of the sabres that I have received. The ability to combine different textures is amazing. Really looking forward to trying the multiple combinations that are now possible, sabres and blades together. The shortened tools, i.e. 8 inch length also makes it easier to use the tools in smaller spaces. Great from my point of view as I will be able to try things in my small garage studio space in the summer months without hitting the roof. Delivery to the UK was quick. All here within 7 days of ordering. Honestly not much difference between UPS and DHL in terms of delivery time, as I have used both options. Both offer really good tracking. If you are looking at these and thinking will I try these? I would say if you have a Critter 2 and you are a light painter expand your toy box with the modular options. If you are new to light painting and looking a the Critter 2 the modular option give you great entry into lots of toys.

J
Juan Cazorla Gacia (Terrassa, ES)
Excelente desde el minuto 1 de uso.

Excelente herramienta de luz desde el primer minuto su manejo y resultados son Brutales.

G
Greg Evans (Palm Coast, US)
Best light painting device on the market.

The RGB critter (I have two) is just the most versatile light painting tool for the photo industry I have ever come across. The assortment of accessories that are available for this system of lighting is impressive and well designed and well made. Put some of this AOM gear in your bag and take your skills to a whole new level. This is an example of spiral light photography with the Critter RGB and the 2" acrylic light writer.

D
David Riedel (Augsburg, DE)

I love the versatility of the rgb critter. All the tools I use are so luminously intense and the pre-installed programs are fantastic. Also recommended is the DIY adapter with which I can connect my own tools to the critter. 🔦📷

D
David Harrington (Franklinville, US)
36 Inch (92cm)
I made my first light tubes with material from

I made my first light tubes with material from the hardware store. That was just the start. Than I saw a YouTube video and I was so impressed with the light shapers.

Thanks so much, David! It’s awesome to hear how your light-painting journey started with a hardware-store DIY and eventually led you to our Light Painting Tubes. We’re so glad you found us and hope you keep creating! 🙌

S
Susan Magnano (Portland, US)
29 Inch (74cm)
Love it

Love it

Hi Susan, we're thrilled to hear you love the Light Painting Tube! Thanks for sharing your positive feedback. Enjoy creating with it!

D
Dana (Düsseldorf, DE)
36 Inch (92cm)
Klasse!

Eine super Röhre, vielseitig verwendbar. Vielen Dank.

Vielen Dank, Dana! Es freut uns sehr, dass dir die Light Painting Tube gefällt. Viel Spaß beim kreativen Einsatz!

b
brian closs

Delighted with this, looking forward to using in the near future.

A
Anonymous (DesMoines, US)
Unusable with android

Pre ordered the new critter. FYI the app only works for apple Iphones. If you have android the light will not be usable as advertised. Save your money until they learn how to get it working as advertised.

Hi there,

Thanks for your feedback. At the time of your review, the Android app was not yet available, but we’re happy to share that the Android version was officially released in 2024.

You can download it here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antsonamelon.rgbcritter

The RGB Critter is now fully supported on both iOS and Android. If you still have your Critter and would like any help getting set up, feel free to reach out to us at support@antsonamelon.com
. We’d be glad to help.

Thanks again for sharing your experience.

R
Rey Florendo (Honolulu, US)
My new AOAM lighting tool

I am excited receiving my new AOAM lighting tool, I have tested the app, added playlist, turned on the flashlight using the app and now learning how to use my AOAM lighting tool with my mirrorless camera. So far I am still learning to use my camera with this lighting tool and enjoying while learning.

C
Chris Hodgson (Huddersfield, GB)
11 Inch (28cm)
Sol saber

Luv them

WE HAVE SOME ANSWERS!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need an RGB Critter Flashlight to use this?

Which RGB Critters is it compatible with?

Can I connect other accessories to it?

What is it used for?

International Shipping Restriction

This lithium-ion battery cannot be shipped internationally and cannot be added to your cart.

You can purchase the required battery locally with these specifications:

  • 18650
  • Lithium-ion
  • 3.6V nominal
  • Unprotected
  • Flat top
  • 18.3mm diameter × 65.0mm length

Do not purchase protected, button top, 3.2V, or 1.5V cells.

Ants on a Melon is not responsible for batteries purchased from third-party sellers. Please verify specifications and use only high-quality lithium-ion cells from reputable brands.

LIFETIME WARRANTY
Every item in your order, for life.
Our gear comes with a 2-year warranty. This upgrade extends every item in your order to lifetime.
WHAT YOU ALREADY GET
2 years on everything in your order, free. Batteries have their own 60-day warranty, and the Orb has no warranty.
WHAT THIS ADDS
If anything in this order fails from a defect, we repair or replace it for as long as you own it.
NO HASSLE CLAIMS
Email us photos or a short video. Most repairs are back out in 2 to 3 working days.
NOT COVERED
Physical damage such as a cracked or crushed housing, loss, theft, broken fiber strands and normal battery wear.
International duties & VAT
A quick heads-up for orders shipping outside the US.
Set by your destination
Import duties and VAT are charged by your country's customs, not by Ants on a Melon.
Paid on delivery
Your carrier collects any charges when they deliver. Amounts vary by country.
Still fully guaranteed
Every international order is guaranteed to arrive. Need help? Email support@antsonamelon.com